The 2000s and 2010s: two decades that shaped the soundtrack of a generation. From pop anthems that dominated the airwaves to indie hits that defined underground scenes, this era boasts an unparalleled diversity of musical styles and unforgettable tunes. If you're looking to relive the nostalgia or discover hidden gems, then you've come to the right place. This definitive list tackles the ultimate question: what are the best songs 2000 to 2020? We've sifted through countless chart-toppers and critical darlings to bring you an expertly curated selection representing the best of pop, rock, hip-hop, and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or simply looking to update your playlist, get ready for a journey through two decades of musical brilliance that will reignite memories and introduce you to new favorites. Prepare for a blast from the past – and a glimpse into the future of musical taste.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | ÷ (Deluxe) | 6B+ |
| 2. Uptown Funk |
Mark Ronson Bruno Mars | Uptown Special | 5B+ |
| 3. Thinking out Loud | Ed Sheeran | x (Deluxe Edition) | 4B+ |
| 4. Hello | Adele | 25 | 3B+ |
| 5. Rolling in the Deep | Adele | 21 | 3B+ |
| 6. Somebody That I Used To Know |
Gotye Kimbra | Making Mirrors | 2B+ |
| 7. Dynamite | BTS | 2B+ |
1. Shape of You - ÷ (Deluxe)
Catchy Rhythm: Shape of You's infectious beat and undeniable groove made it a global phenomenon, perfectly encapsulating the vibrant energy of the 2010s pop landscape.
Memorable Hook: The song's simple yet effective chorus is incredibly earwormy, a testament to Sheeran's songwriting prowess and its staying power within the decade's musical memory.
Global Impact: Its massive popularity transcended geographical boundaries, solidifying its place as a defining track of the early 2010s and a staple on best-of lists for the era.
2. Uptown Funk (2014)
Sound: Uptown Funk's infectious groove, built on a tight, funky bassline and crisp horns, perfectly encapsulates the vibrant energy of the 2010s.
Vocals: Bruno Mars' charismatic vocals deliver the lyrics with unmatched swagger and soulful flair, making it impossible not to sing along.
Pop Culture Impact: Its undeniable catchiness and memorable music video cemented Uptown Funk as a defining song of its era, a true party anthem for years to come.
3. Thinking out Loud (Ed Sheeran)
Genre & Sound: A masterful blend of pop and acoustic, "Thinking Out Loud" showcases Sheeran's signature intimate sound, perfectly capturing the feeling of a classic love song while maintaining a modern appeal that resonated strongly throughout the 2010s.
Vocal Performance: Sheeran's emotive vocals are the heart of the song, conveying vulnerability and deep affection that added to its immense popularity within the 2000-2020 timeframe.
Lyrical Content & Impact: The heartfelt lyrics about enduring love and commitment struck a chord with listeners, becoming a staple at weddings and other romantic events, cementing its place as a defining song of the era.
4. Hello (25)
Vocal Performance: Adele's powerhouse vocals are the undeniable heart of "Hello" showcasing her incredible range and emotional control, perfectly capturing the yearning and vulnerability of the lyrics.
Lyrical Content: The lyrics' poignant exploration of regret and longing resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying "Hello" as an anthem for a generation grappling with lost connections and second chances.
Cultural Impact: Released in 2015, "Hello" quickly became a global phenomenon, dominating charts and sparking countless covers and parodies; its music video's stark simplicity further enhanced its emotional impact.
5. Rolling in the Deep (Adele - 2025)
Sound: Adele's powerhouse vocals are perfectly complemented by a driving beat and gospel-tinged backing vocals, creating a sound both anthemic and deeply personal.
Emotional Impact: The raw emotion in Adele's delivery, coupled with lyrics about betrayal and resilience, resonated deeply with listeners and solidified its place as a defining track of the 2010s.
Pop Culture Moment: "Rolling in the Deep" became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and cementing Adele's status as a major musical force in the 2010s.
6. Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye ft Kimbra)
Sound: Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" masterfully blends indie-pop sensibilities with a haunting, melancholic soundscape, anchored by a memorable ukulele riff.
Vocals: The interplay between Gotye's and Kimbra's distinct vocals creates a captivating dynamic, enhancing the song's emotional depth and making it instantly recognizable.
Cultural Impact: Released in the early 2010s, the song's unique sound and emotionally resonant lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, achieving widespread popularity and solidifying its place in the decade's musical landscape.
7. Dynamite (2020)
Sound: Dynamite's infectious disco-pop sound, released in 2020, perfectly captured the upbeat energy of the era, making it a quintessential track of the early 2020s.
Vocals: BTS's polished vocals and harmonies shine throughout, delivering a performance that is both powerful and undeniably catchy.
Pop Culture Impact: The song's vibrant music video and global popularity cemented Dynamite as a significant pop culture moment of the 2010s/2020s decade.
8. Thrift Shop (The Heist)
Catchy Beat: Thrift Shop boasts an irresistible, funky beat that blends hip-hop and a playful, almost comedic rhythm, making it incredibly memorable and danceable.
Lyrical Cleverness: Macklemore's witty and often humorous lyrics, coupled with sharp wordplay, created a cultural phenomenon, cementing its place in the early 2010s music landscape.
Enduring Appeal: Its unique blend of social commentary and infectious energy transcends fleeting trends, explaining its continued popularity years after its release.
9. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! - TROLLS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Upbeat Tempo and Infectious Rhythm: CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!'s irresistible groove is a defining characteristic of its success in the 2010s, making it perfect for playlists highlighting the decade's best pop hits.
Justin Timberlake's Vocal Performance: Timberlake's smooth vocals and dynamic delivery perfectly complement the song's energetic production, adding another layer to its enduring appeal within the 2000-2020 timeframe.
Pop Culture Impact: Its use in the *Trolls* movie soundtrack cemented its place in popular culture, further solidifying its position as a memorable track of the era.
10. Shallow (A Star Is Born Soundtrack - 2025)
Vocal Performance: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's powerhouse vocals create a captivating duet, showcasing their incredible range and emotional depth, a hallmark of the era's best collaborations.
Emotional Resonance: The song's raw vulnerability and exploration of complex relationships resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying its place as an anthem for a generation.
Cultural Impact: "Shallow" transcended its role in *A Star Is Born*, becoming a standalone chart-topper and a defining song of the 2010s, cementing its status amongst the best.
11Call Me Maybe
Carly Rae Jepsen
2011
Kiss (Deluxe)
12God's Plan
Drake
2018
Scorpion
13Happy
Pharrell Williams
2013
G I R L
14Old Town Road
Billy Ray Cyrus,Lil Nas X
2019
15bad guy
Billie Eilish
2019
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
16We Found Love
Rihanna,Calvin Harris
2011
Talk That Talk
17Umbrella
JAY-Z,Rihanna
2007
Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded
18Single Ladies
Beyoncé
2008
I AM...SASHA FIERCE
19Royals
Lorde
2013
Pure Heroine
20Viva La Vida
Coldplay
2008
Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
21Levitating
Dua Lipa
2020
Future Nostalgia
22Blinding Lights
The Weeknd
2019
After Hours
23Crazy in Love
Beyoncé,JAY-Z
2003
24Hey Ya!
Outkast
2003
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
25Mr. Brightside
The Killers
2003
Hot Fuss
26Watermelon Sugar
Harry Styles
2019
Fine Line
27Gold Digger
Kanye West,Jamie Foxx
2005
Late Registration
28Lose Yourself
Eminem
2002
2001
29Savage Love
Jason Derulo,Jawsh 685
2020
Get Weird (Expanded Edition)